The Vijayanagara Archaeological Atlas (VAA)

(Supported by Harish and Bina Shah Foundation)

In 1980, Dr George Michell, joined by Dr John M. Fritz in 1981, launched the Vijayanagara Research Project (VRP) to systematically document the urban layout and architectural remains of the imperial capital of Hampi Vijayanagara in central Karnataka. Over more than two decades, during consecutive field seasons, the two scholars co-directed teams of volunteer students of architecture and archaeology from India and abroad. Together, they meticulously mapped and measured cultural features spread across nearly 25 square kilometres, creating an unparalleled record of the site.

The result of this sustained effort is the Vijayanagara Archaeological Atlas (VAA), a monumental achievement comprising 275 maps at a 1:400 scale, each measuring 60 x 45 cm and covering an area of 240 x 180 metres. The maps depict topographic features (heights in blue) and all man-made structures (numbered in red), and are accompanied by a comprehensive FileMaker database cataloguing descriptions of over 36,000 features, cross-referenced with related publications and illustrations.

The VAA represents the first-ever comprehensive surface archaeological survey of an Indian historical site inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Beyond its technical precision, it offers profound insights into the urban organization, settlement patterns, and social fabric of Vijayanagara, the greatest imperial capital of Southern India.

In a gesture of academic generosity, Dr George Michell gifted the complete VAA archive to the American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS) for public access and preservation. With the generous support of the Harish and Bina Shah Foundation, AIIS has now transformed this extraordinary body of work into a detailed, interactive online platform, making it freely accessible through the Virtual Museum of Images and Sounds (VMIS).

This digital initiative not only preserves the legacy of a landmark research project but also opens new possibilities for scholars, educators, and the general public to explore the magnificent landscape of Vijayanagara, virtually, dynamically, and without boundaries.